Yarmouth, MA
So when I was shoveling out areas in the yard for our pooch and for me to be able to get to the bird feeder and the suet, I happened to notice a warbler!!! I was shocked, because I always think warbler=warm weather, then I remembered there is one breed I have seen here during winter months, when we're covered in snow. This warbler was attracted to the suet I had just refilled yesterday, a new 'high energy' variety, so I'm wondering if the change in flavor had something to do with our new flighty little visitor. I took a few photos,(taken through glass - so they are not great) because that always helps me with ID because the photos ARE STILL. Warblers are NOT very still, EVER. It's one of the reasons that makes them so challenging to confidently identify I feel. Turns out it was a Yellow-rumped Warbler first year female. I did get within 6 feet of this bird, as well as an American Robin. Hunger is a driving force. Robins typically prefer worms and bugs, but since we're stuck in a snowy spell here in New England, worms aren't being found so easily, if at all. The handsome (American Robin) fella in our yard picked at the spilled seed from the feeder (thanks squirrels! double click photos to enlarge)
My List:
American Robin
Yellow-rumped Warbler (myrtle)
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
American Robin (male)
American Robin (male)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (female)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (first year female)
Notice the yellow peeking through from under the top of her wings
If there was any doubt that she was a Yellow-rumped!
Yellow-rumped Warbler (first year female)
Black-capped Chickadee